Disposable infusion device with automatic unlocking mechanism

ABSTRACT

A wearable infusion device delivers a liquid medicant to a patient. The infusion device comprises a base that contacts a patient&#39;s skin and a reservoir arranged to be filled with a liquid medicant to be delivered beneath a patient&#39;s skin. The reservoir has an outlet through which the medicant flows. The infusion device further comprises a flexible conduit communicating with the outlet of the reservoir, a pump that causes the medicant to flow down the conduit, an actuator that performs a function related to the operation of the device, and an enable mechanism that enables the actuator in response to the filling of the reservoir with the liquid medicant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tight control over the delivery of insulin in both type I diabetes (usually juvenile onset) and type II diabetes (usually late adult onset), has been shown to improve the quality of life as well as the general health of these patients. Insulin delivery has been dominated by subcutaneous injections of both long acting insulin to cover the basal needs of the patient and by short acting insulin to compensate for meals and snacks. Recently, the development of electronic, external insulin infusion pumps has allowed the continuous infusion of fast acting insulin for the maintenance of the basal needs as well as the compensatory doses for meals and snacks. These infusion systems have shown to improve control of blood glucose levels, however, they suffer the drawbacks of size, cost, and complexity, which prevents many patients from accepting this technology over the standard subcutaneous injections. These pumps are electronically controlled and must be programmed to supply the desired amounts of basal and bolus insulin.

Hence, there is a need in the art for a simple, mechanically driven infusion device for both basal needs and boluses that is directly attached to the body and does not require any electronics to program the delivery rates. The insulin is preferably delivered through a small, thin-walled tubing (cannula) through the skin into the subcutaneous tissue similar to technologies in the prior art. The present invention, in its various embodiments, is directed to providing such a device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a wearable infusion device comprising a base that contacts a patient's skin, a reservoir arranged to be filled with a liquid medicant to be delivered beneath a patient's skin, the reservoir having an outlet through which the medicant flows, and a flexible conduit communicating with the outlet of the reservoir. The device further comprises a pump that causes the medicant to flow down the conduit, an actuator that performs a function related to the operation of the device, and an enable mechanism that enables the actuator in response to the filling of the reservoir with the liquid medicant.

The reservoir may be formed of flexible material and the enable mechanism may be responsive to the inflation of the reservoir upon being filled with the liquid medicant to enable the actuator. The reservoir may be an expandable structure and the enable mechanism may be responsive to expansion of the reservoir upon being filled with the liquid medicant to enable the actuator. The enable mechanism may comprise a follower that follows the expansion of the reservoir. The actuator may be displaced when performing the function related to the operation of the device, the device may further comprise a latch positioned to impede the displacement of the actuator, and the enable mechanism may reposition the latch when the reservoir is filled to permit the displacement of the actuator.

The enable mechanism may comprise a follower that follows the expansion of the reservoir and is coupled to the latch. The follower may comprise a bar extending across the reservoir.

The actuator actuates the pump to cause the medicant to flow down the conduit. The actuator may comprise at least one push button which, when depressed, causes the pump to cause the medicant to flow down the conduit. The device may further comprise a latch positioned to impede the displacement of the at least one push button, and the enable mechanism may reposition the latch when the reservoir is filled to permit the at least on push button to be depressed.

In another embodiment, a wearable infusion device comprises a base that contacts a patient's skin, a reservoir arranged to be filled with a liquid medicant to be delivered beneath a patient's skin, the reservoir having an outlet through which the medicant flows and being expanded upon being filled with the liquid medicant, and a flexible conduit communicating with the outlet of the reservoir. The device further comprises a pump that causes the medicant to flow down the conduit, an actuator that performs a function related to the operation of the device, and an enable mechanism that enables the actuator in response to expansion of the reservoir when the reservoir is filled with the liquid medicant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by making reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify identical elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an infusion device embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 with its top cover removed and in a condition ready for having its reservoir filled with liquid medicant;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the infusion device of FIG. 1 with its top cover removed after its reservoir has been filled with liquid medicant;

FIG. 4 is perspective view with portions cut away of the infusion device of FIG. 1 illustrating the path of the liquid medicant within the device;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the device of FIG. 1 with its reservoir removed to illustrate the manner in which the liquid medicant is caused to flow within the device;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the infusion device of FIG. 1 with its reservoir removed illustrating further aspects of the pump thereof;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the infusion device of FIG. 1 with portions cut away to illustrate a safety check valve in its opened position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 7 illustrating the safety check valve closed;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a reservoir which may be used in the infusion device of FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view with portions cut away of the reservoir of FIG. 9 illustrating further aspects thereof according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, it illustrates an infusion device 100 embodying the present invention. The infusion device 100 may be useful, for example, in providing boluses of a liquid medicant, such as insulin, to be delivered beneath a patient's skin.

The device 100 generally includes a base 110, a top cover 120, and a cannula port 130. The base 110 prior to application to the patient's skin, carries a first tab member 112 and a second tab member 114. The first tab member 112, when removed, exposes a layer 116 of antiseptic material such as alcohol which may be rubbed against the skin of the patient in the area in which the device 100 is to be adhered. Once the antiseptic has been applied to the patient's skin, the second tab 114 is removed exposing an adhesive layer on the base 110 which is then used to adhere the device to the skin of the patient. Once the device is adhered to the skin of the patient, a cannula may be introduced into the device and beneath the skin of a patient through the cannula port 130.

As may be seen in FIG. 2, the device 100 further includes a pair of actuator push buttons 120 and a reservoir 140 arranged to contain the liquid medicant. As will be seen hereinafter, concurrent pressing of the actuator push buttons 120 causes the liquid medicant within the reservoir 140 to flow down a flexible conduit 150 and eventually beneath the skin of a patient. Each of the push buttons 120 are spring loaded by an associated spring 122 and 124 which return the push buttons 120 to their starting positions.

The reservoir 140 as shown in FIG. 2 does not yet contain the liquid medicant. A latch mechanism 160 precludes the push buttons 120 from being pressed when the reservoir 140 is empty. To that end, it will be noted that a follower bar 162 extends across the reservoir 140 and terminates at a latch member 164. A dog 166 is coupled to the push buttons 120 and engages the latch member 164 to preclude the actuator buttons 120 from being pushed when the reservoir is empty.

Referring now to FIG. 3, when the reservoir is filled as illustrated in FIG. 3, the follower bar 162 follows the expansion of the reservoir 140. To that end, the reservoir 140 is preferably formed of flexible material, such as plastic, and will expand upon being filled. The follower bar 162 follows the filling of the reservoir 140 to raise the latch member 164. When the reservoir is full, the latch member 164 is raised to such an extent that the dog 166 may pass thereunder to permit the push buttons 120 to be pressed to cause pumping of the liquid medicant to the patient. Again, the springs 122 and 124 assist in returning the push buttons 122 to a starting position.

The reservoir 140, as may be noted in FIG. 3, includes a plurality of raised portions 142 formed along its perimeter. This reservoir shape causes air pockets to be formed within the reservoir that traps air isolated from the reservoir outlet 144. Accordingly, the device 100 is intended to be worn with its major axis 102 horizontal. In such an orientation, air within the reservoir 140 may be trapped in the air pockets, such as air pocket 146.

Referring now to FIG. 4, it illustrates the fluid flow path of the liquid medicant upon being pumped responsive to the pressing of the actuator buttons 120. The fluid flow path is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 4. As may be noted, the fluid flow from reservoir 140 begins at the outlet 144 along a flexible conduit 148. The fluid medicant is propelled by a pump, such as a linear peristaltic pump 170 to be described hereinafter. It first flows through a valve 180 which may be provided to isolate the pump 170 from the reservoir 140 when the pump 170 pumps the fluid medicant. The valve 180, under some circumstances, is optional, as for example when a linear peristaltic pump of the type described herein is employed as will be fully described hereinafter.

The fluid continues to flow along the flexible conduit 148 to eventually arrive at the cannula 200. It is then delivered to the patient beneath the patient's skin.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the peristaltic pump of the device 100 in greater detail. Here it may be seen that the peristaltic pump comprises a pair of pressure members 172 and 174. The pressure members 172 and 174 are disposed on opposite sides of the flexible conduit 148. The direction of fluid flow is indicated by the arrows 149 in a direction away from the reservoir (not shown). The pressure members 172 and 174 are spaced apart such that they become increasingly closer together in an upstream direction with respect to the fluid flow. Hence, when the pressure members 172 and 174 act upon the flexible conduit 148, they will serve to first pinch the flexible conduit closed and then, upon exerting additional pressure, squeeze the conduit to force the liquid medicant in the downstream direction.

As previously mentioned, the valve 180 is optional. If the pump utilized is not a pump as illustrated herein that first closes off the conduit, the valve 180 may be coupled to the actuator buttons 120 so that the valve 180 closes the conduit 148 before pressure is exerted on the flexible conduit 148 by the pump. To that end, the valve 180 includes a first valve member 182 and a second stationary valve member 184. Valve member 182 pivots about pivot point 186 upon the pressing of the actuator buttons 120 to pinch the flexible conduit closed against the stationary member 184.

In FIG. 6, it may be more clearly seen that each pressure member 172 and 174 is integrally formed with an associated one of the actuator buttons 120. More specifically, each pressure member may be formed as one piece with its actuator button 120. Because the device 100 is intended to be disposable, the actuator buttons and hence the pressure members 172 and 174 may be formed of plastic.

Once the actuator buttons 120 are pressed and the peristaltic pump 170 causes the liquid medicant to flow down the flexible conduit 148, the actuator buttons 120 are returned to their starting positions by their respective springs 122 and 124. At this point in time, the flexible conduit 148 is charged with fluid to cause the fluid medicant to exit the cannula 190 as illustrated in FIG. 4. To guard against back pressure within the cannula 190 and flexible conduit which would otherwise lessen the amount of liquid medicant received by the patient, a check valve 190 is provided. The check valve 190 is downstream from the pump 170 and performs at least two functions. Firstly, the check valve 190 when closed precludes back flow of the medicant and assures that the medicant within the flexible conduit from the check valve to the cannula 200 is eventually diffused into the patient. It also precludes unintended leaking of the liquid medicant into the patient in between actuations of the push buttons 120.

With particular reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, in FIG. 7, it will be noted that the valve 190 is formed by a closing member 192 which is coupled to an actuator push button 120 at an attachment point 194. When the actuator buttons 120 are concurrently pressed, the closure member 192 slides to the position indicated in FIG. 7 to an opened position to permit fluid flow through the flexible conduit 148. As may be seen in FIG. 8, when the actuator buttons 120 are released, the closure member 192 is caused to move in a direction towards the flexible conduit 148 and eventually pinches the flexible conduit 148 closed between the closure member 192 and a stationary wall 196. Once the valve 190 is closed as shown in FIG. 8, liquid medicant will not be permitted to inadvertently drip from the reservoir, flow through the conduit, and be delivered to the patient.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, they show an alternative flexible reservoir which may be used in the infusion pump according to the invention. The flexible reservoir 240 is formed of flexible sheet material including a sheet 242 and a sheet 244. The sheet materials 242 and 244 are sealed along a peripheral seal line 246. As may be clearly noted in FIGS. 9 and 10, the reservoir 240 is shaped to form raised portions 248 on one side of the reservoir and raised portions 250 on the opposite side of the reservoir. The raised portions 248 and 250 may be pointed regions having concave sidewalls. For example, pointed regions 248 have concave sidewalls 249 and pointed regions 250 have concave sidewalls 251.

When the reservoir 240 is deployed in an infusion device, such as infusion device 100 of FIG. 1, it may be disposed so that the raised regions 250 and 248 are along a pane having a substantially vertical component. With the reservoir 240 being disposed such that the raised regions 250 are above the raised regions 248, air pockets, such as air pocket 253 will be formed within the reservoir 240. The air pocket 253 is isolated from the outlet 256 to assure that no air will become entrapped in the liquid medicant being delivered to the patient.

Hence, as may be seen from the foregoing, the present invention provides a simple, mechanically driven infusion device that provides boluses of liquid medicant, such as insulin, and which may directly attached to the body of a patient. The device does not require any electronics to deliver or program the delivery of the medicant. The liquid medicant, such as insulin, may be delivered through a small cannula into the subcutaneous tissue of the patient as is common in the art.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, modifications may be made, and it is therefore intended in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by those claims. 

1. A wearable infusion device comprising: a base adapted for contact to a patient's skin; a reservoir arranged to be filled with a liquid medicant to be delivered beneath a patient's skin, the reservoir having an outlet through which the medicant flows; a flexible conduit communicating with the outlet of the reservoir; a pump that causes the medicant to flow down the conduit; an actuator that performs a function related to the operation of the device; and an enable mechanism that enables the actuator in response to the filling of the reservoir with the liquid medicant.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is formed of flexible material and wherein the enable mechanism is response to the inflation of the reservoir upon being filled with the liquid medicant to enable the actuator.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is an expandable structure and wherein the enable mechanism is responsive to expansion of the reservoir upon being filled with the liquid medicant to enable the actuator.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the enable mechanism comprises a follower that follows the expansion of the reservoir.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuator is displaced when performing the function related to the operation of the device, wherein the device further comprises a latch positioned to impede the displacement of the actuator, and wherein the enable mechanism repositions the latch when the reservoir is filled to permit the displacement of the actuator.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the enable mechanism comprises a follower that follows the expansion of the reservoir and is coupled to the latch.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the follower comprises a bar extending across the reservoir.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuator actuates the pump to cause the medicant to flow down the conduit.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the actuator comprises at least one push button which, when depressed, causes the pump to cause the medicant to flow down the conduit, wherein the device further comprises a latch positioned to impede the displacement of the at least one push button, and wherein the enable mechanism repositions the latch when the reservoir is filled to permit the at least one push button to be depressed.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the enable mechanism comprises a follower that follows the expansion of the reservoir and is coupled to the latch.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the follower comprises a bar extending across the reservoir.
 12. A wearable infusion device comprising: a base adapted for contact to a patient's skin; a reservoir arranged to be filled with a liquid medicant to be delivered beneath a patient's skin, the reservoir having an outlet through which the medicant flows; a flexible conduit communicating with the outlet of the reservoir; a pump that causes the medicant to flow down the conduit; an actuator, that actuates the pump to cause the medicant to flow down the conduit; and an enable mechanism that enables the actuator in response to the filling of the reservoir with the liquid medicant, wherein the actuator comprises a pair of push buttons which when concurrently pushed, cause the pump to cause the medicant to flow down the conduit, wherein the device further comprises a latch positioned to impede the displacement of the push buttons to prevent the push buttons from being pushed, and wherein the enable mechanism repositions the latch when the reservoir is filled to enable the displacement of the push buttons and to permit the push buttons to be pushed.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the enable mechanism comprises a follower that follows the expansion of the reservoir and is coupled to the latch.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the follower comprises a bar extending across the reservoir.
 15. A wearable infusion device comprising: a base adapted for contact to a patient's skin; a reservoir arranged to be filled with a liquid medicant to be delivered beneath a patient's skin, the reservoir having an outlet through which the medicant flows and being expanded upon being filled with the liquid medicant; a flexible conduit communicating with the outlet of the reservoir; a pump that causes the medicant to flow down the conduit; an actuator that performs a function related to the operation of the device; and an enable mechanism that enables the actuator in response to expansion of the reservoir when the reservoir is filled with the liquid medicant.
 16. A wearable infusion device comprising: a base adapted for contact to a patient's skin: a reservoir arranged to be filled with a liquid medicant to be delivered beneath a patient's skin, the reservoir having an outlet through which the medicant flows and being expanded upon being filled with the liquid medicant; a flexible conduit communicating with the outlet of the reservoir; a pump that causes the medicant to flow down the conduit; an actuator that performs a function related to the operation of the device; and an enable mechanism that enables the actuator in response to expansion of the reservoir when the reservoir is filled with the liquid medicant wherein the actuator comprises a pair of push buttons which when concurrently pushed, cause the pump to cause the medicant to flow down the conduit, wherein the device further comprises a latch positioned to impede the displacement of the push buttons to prevent the push buttons from being pushed, and wherein the enable mechanism repositions the latch when the reservoir is filled to enable the displacement of the push buttons and to permit the push buttons to be pushed.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the enable mechanism comprises a follower that follows the expansion of the reservoir and is coupled to the latch.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the follower comprises a bar extending across the reservoir. 